nigella

noun

ni·​gel·​la nī-ˈje-lə 

: any of a genus (Nigella) of erect annual herbs of the buttercup family having dissected threadlike leaves and usually blue or white flowers

especially : love-in-a-mist

Examples of nigella in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each challah braid was sprinkled with different seeds and herbs: sunflower seeds, sesame, oregano, pine nuts, nigella (black caraway seeds) and cumin. —Ethel G. Hofman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2023

Chinese lanterns, fall leaves, nigella pods, and ginkgo leaves make special additions; attach using fine wire. —Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2022

Instead of the traditional garlic, onion, poppy and sesame seeds, the blend includes sumac, turmeric, maras chile flakes, blue cornflower, sea salt, and sesame, fennel, and black nigella seeds. —Ann Trieger Kurland, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2022

Uzbek non varies across regions, from Tashkent's chewy versions to Samarkand loaves showered in black nigella seeds. —Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 4 May 2022

Nicotiana and slightly spiny nigella pods add a little textural contrast. —Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 12 Feb. 2020

Add the nigella seeds and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute, and sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes. —Nik Sharma, SFChronicle.com, 31 July 2020

Top with the sprouts and garnish with a sprinkling of sumac and nigella seeds and serve. —Naz Deravian, SFChronicle.com, 16 Mar. 2020

Flowers to start from seed: Dahlia, shizanthus, nigella, phlox, portulaca, nemisa, marigold and nasturtiums. —Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Late Latin, a black-seeded plant, from feminine of Latin nigellus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nigella

• brucella
• candela
• capella
• chlorella
• flagella
• glabella
• lamella
• marcella
• mustela
• novella
• patella
• predella